StorytimeWednesday

  Looking to snag yourself a literary agent and land that book deal? Well, buckle up because it's not going to be a walk in the park. Most publishers won't even sniff at your manuscript unless you have an agent by your side. To find that perfect match, you'll need to roll up your sleeves and do some serious digging. Here's the lowdown on how to charm your way into an agent's good graces: • Dive into those agent directories • Hone in on your book's genre and audience • Seek out agents who dig books like yours • Do your homework and narrow down your list • Draft those personalized query letters • Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of requests and rejections • Choose the agent who feels like the missing piece of your puzzle So, get ready to hustle and find that literary soulmate! 1. Check out literary agent directories Agents may be located in big cities like New York and London, but you can't just stroll through the literary district knoc

So you have finished your book, so you think! Nope, you haven't really finished, you need to give it a day or two, then go back and reread it and do some editing. First take a look at the number of words in your book? Yes, write that number down you'll need to include it in your cover letter to a publisher. Then begin your editing phase, you see there are three phases of editing. Your editing is for storytelling purposes, second will be your correcting anything you forgot during the first editing phase, and then the final editing stage where you send it off to another person to read it with fresh eyes. This last person can be a friend or someone you contract to read the book and make corrections in spelling, grammar, or content. after that last phase, you go back and reread it for a final time and tweak it accordingly, and then you're finally done with your book.  Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in t

In today's fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere when we sit down to work. It's crucial now more than ever to carve out a space free from interruptions so we can concentrate on our priorities. Even though I’m a jack of all trades when it comes to writing, artistic endeavors, business consulting, and life coaching, I also read other fields to learn about real estate, finance, banking, politics and so much more. I’ve found many successful people such as real estate mogul, Gary Keller gives great advice when it comes to being successful in business. He once said, “Success is not a marathon but a sprint, fueled by discipline until good habits take over.” He’s absolutely correct because I find when things start spiraling out of control, it's time for me to pause and evaluate my actions and determine what's effective and what's not. In this article, I'll be sharing the daily habits that I find helpful for me to establish a distraction-free environment and

  Creating your ideal writing space Forget the notion of a flawless writing space, what matters is the space that allows you to open your creative mind and affords you a place to write without interruptions.   Instead of fantasizing about the perfect setup, why not bring it to life? Transform your current space into a motivational haven where you can unleash your creativity. It's all about making your writing space where you can feel you can create your next work of art without the daily interruptions by family or friends. Encouraging a Positive Writing Environment Setting aside a designated writing area can be helpful. By creating a space specifically for writing, you can train your brain to associate that area with productivity. Just like how you might avoid certain foods after getting sick from them, your brain can link your writing space with feelings of creativity and accomplishing goals. When you enter your writing space, try to cultivate a positive mindset. Remind yourself t

Keep track of your progress Watch as your numbers update in real time based on your writing activity. Set your manuscript goal and see your daily targets adjust accordingly. Some writers use an app on their phone or laptop to monitor their writing sessions. I on the other hand use my brain. On Sundays, I write down what number i should be at each day and use that as my monitoring system. If I go over the allotted time for a day of writing, I adjust accordingly. Don't become distracted by anything that could distract you like notifications from Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, or some other annoying site you follow. Stay focused with a site blocker Don't let distractions get in the way of your writing routine.  Schedule block sessions in advance and monitor your productivity each day. Learn how to establish a strong writing routine In just 10 days, discover how to change your habits to better support your writing goals. Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty y

  Set a schedule with achievable goals   Let's talk about setting up a writing schedule that works for you. To make progress on your book, it's important to set realistic word count goals for your writing sessions. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer, having a plan in place can help you stay on track and finish your book in a timely manner. For beginners, aiming for 500-750 words per day, 1,500-2,500 words per week, and 6,000-10,000 words per month is a good starting point. If you're looking to write your book quickly, consider setting higher goals like 1,500-2,000 words per session, 9,000-15,000 words per week, and 35,000-50,000 words per month. Remember, it's important to find a writing routine that works for you. Take advantage of your free time, productivity patterns, and other responsibilities to create a schedule that helps you reach your writing goals without burning out. And most importantly, don't forget to prioritize your mental health thr